Interview with ‘Hurricane’ Hannah Baggaley ahead of pro debut
As British boxing reflects on the the recent sad news of the death of Blackpool’s former world heavyweight title challenger, Brian London, aged 87 – the seaside town may have another star in the making with Hannah Baggaley making her pro debut this Friday (July 2), live on Fightzone.
‘Hurricane’ Hannah, who is trained by former WBU World Middleweight Champ Arnie Farnell, is set to gate-crash the booming UK women’s boxing scene and has ‘star potential’ in abundance. Despite no experience in the unpaid code, Hannah, 24, is delighted to be punching for pay and excited to be stepping into the ring for the first time as a pro at Sheffield’s Fightzone Arena.
Ahead of the bout, we caught up with the Alfie Warren managed fighter to find out what makes her tick…
When and how did you get into boxing?
I was 14 years old, full of energy and never out of trouble fighting. My dad advised me to get into a sport and so we went to a boxing gym!
Tell us about your amateur career/achievements?
I have no amateur background only unlicensed. I used to be a home fighter and an ‘on the road’ fighter and would go and beat everyone I fought up and down the country!
Favourite all-time fighter?
Muhammad Ali.
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a boxer?
Follow my journey and you will find out along the way!
What’s the hardest thing about being a pro fighter (so far)?
The sacrifice of eating what you want when you want.
What weight do you see yourself winning belts at?
Welterweight.
Which current British female fighters are impressing you the most?
Terri Harper for the Brits. Katie Taylor for other countries.
Your favourite meal?
Papas takeaway from Blackpool on Dixon road, Hot marinated chicken with the best peri peri chips you will ever taste with a garlic Mayo and chilli dip.
Favourite film?
The Twilight sagas
Which actor would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?
Margot Robbie because she’s one of my favourite women actresses.
Favourite city?
Venice.
Your job outside of boxing (if you have one)?
Painter and decorator.
Your boxing ambitions? What do you want to achieve in the sport?
I want to win, defend and keep a Lonsdale belt, be a world champion and then retain my belt till retirement. I also want to inspire the next generation of girls in boxing, and box in Vegas.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I don’t have one.
Tell us an unusual fact about yourself?
I had permanent residency, managed a painting company and had my own apartment in Australia and gave it all up to come home and box.
What is the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery?
Depends how much money? A smaller win, I’d invest. A huge win, I’d invest but also look after my family.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
World champion.
Follow Hannah on Instagram and Twitter. Visit www.hjaboxing.com
For ticket information contact 0114 243 4443.
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